Gunsmoke FAREWELL, MARSHALL DILLON June 3, 2011 was a sad day for us Gunsmoke fans. James Arness, the tall, soft spoken actor who played Marshall Matt Dillon for 20 years, passed away peacefully as he slept.... a fitting end to the life of the quiet, intensely private man. He was the lone surviving member of the original cast and I can only hope they are all having a big reunion now! If the news of his death left you with one of those "empty stomach" feelings, it's no surprise to me, because that's how I felt. He was a big man who portrayed a big lawman on TV, and he captured a big place in our hearts. I hope you will remember him fondly, as I sure will. Gunsmoke The earlier TV cowboy shows, like The Lone Ranger or Hopalong Cassidy, were more about heroes and not so much about the real West. But then, along came Gunsmoke, one of the first "adult Westerns" on TV. This show was more realistic and the Gunsmoke cast had a lot of interesting characters.

Although Marshall Matt Dillon was the star, the one I remember most was Miss Kitty. How could you not remember her? She was so pretty and always wore fancy dresses, set off by her fiery red hair! Background of the Show The Gunsmoke TV series started out as a radio show in 1952 with the actor William Conrad doing the role of Matt Dillon, the town marshall. The show was on the radio for 9 years. Here's a neat piece of info - John Wayne was the first choice to play Marshall Dillon when the show was added to the TV lineup in 1955. But he didn't want to take on the commitment (in favor of his blossoming movie career!) so he suggested his young friend, James Arness, who was an unknown actor at the time. That was a stroke of good luck for James Arness who turned out to be perfect for the part that he played for the entire 20 years that Gunsmoke ran! And I'll bet John Wayne was on his Christmas list the entire time! To help you get into a "Gunsmoke" mood, just click the center button on the video box below.

You'll be taken right back to the '50's (or '60's or '70's) when you watched the beginning of the show on your own TV. Enjoy! All About the Show The show was set in Dodge City, Kansas around about 1873. And, originally, there were 4 main, regular Gunsmoke characters. Matt Dillon (played by James Arness) was the central character as the town Marshall, standing for justice, sincerity and truth. His strong will kept him coming back even if he was beaten up, shot and ambushed! DID YOU KNOW? James Arness was so tall (6 ft. 7 in.) that co-stars often had to stand on platforms - or have Marshall Dillon stand in a low spot - to film scenes where they appeared next to him! There was a cast of continuing characters who interacted with Marshall Dillon, and each other, as they went about their regular business. Chester (played by Dennis Weaver) was Matt's loyal deputy. He walked with a limp (which was added purposely to make Dennis look more like a sidekick than a leading man). But this did make him one of the first regular characters on TV with a physical disability.

And do you remember his twangy voice and how you would hear him loudly calling for the Marshall, "Miisstterr Diillllonn!!" Who could forget that? Miss Kitty, my favorite character, (played by Amanda Blake) ran the Long Branch Saloon. She was beautiful and didn't look like she belonged in a saloon. And she was a tough businesswoman, but with a very soft heart. She was a friend to anyone who needed one, and was like the oasis in a desert! She also had a real soft spot in her heart for Matt, but the most we ever saw between the two of them were meaningful smiles. Everyone knew that Miss Kitty really wanted to be romantically involved with the handsome Marshall! Doc Adams (played by Milburn Stone) was the crusty, but kindly, old physician who took care of everyone's ills and patched up the guys who wound up on the receiving end in a gunfight! There was also a supporting cast of other Dodge City residents who showed up in episodes now and then.

They included - Quint Asper, blacksmith (played by Burt Reynolds); Newly O'Brien, gunsmith (played by Buck Taylor); Thad Greenwood, Matt's young friend (played by Roger Ewing); Halligan and Ed O'Connor, local ranchers (played by Charles Wagenheim and Tom Brown); Louie Pheeters, town drunk (played by James Nusser); Barney Danches, telegraph agent (played by Charles Seel); Howie Culver, hotel clerk (played by Howard Culver); Percy Crump, undertaker (played by John Harper); Hank Miller, stableman (played by Hank Patterson); Nathan Burke, freight agent (played by Ted Jordan); Mr. Bodkin, banker (played by Roy Roberts); and Ma Smalley, boardinghouse owner (played by Sarah Selby); Sam, bartender (played by Glenn Strange). Only James Arness (Matt Dillon) and Milburn Stone (Doc Adams) played their parts for the entire 20 years the show was on TV. During that time some key changes happened.

In 1964 Dennis Weaver (Chester) left and was replaced by the actor Ken Curtis who played Festus, a scruffy hillbilly deputy, until the show ended in 1975. In 1974 Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty, my favorite!) left the show and was replaced by the actress Fran Ryan who played Miss Hannah and ran the Long Branch Saloon. Gunsmoke was at the very beginning of a huge wave of Westerns on TV from the mid-50's to the mid-60's and, when it ended in 1975 after 20 years, it had run longer than any prime-time series with continuing characters in the history of TV! More about the Actors JAMES ARNESS passed away in his sleep on June 3, 2011. At age 88 he was the last member of the original regular cast. Click here if you would like to learn a lot about his life and his career. MILBURN STONE, a native of Burrton Kansas, got his start in vaudeville.

He played many different movie roles in his career but was best remembered as "Doc" in Gunsmoke (and was awarded an Emmy in 1968). He was the first regular cast member lost. In 1980, at age 75, Milburn Stone died of a heart attack. AMANDA BLAKE had guest appearances on many other shows after Gunsmoke left the air in 1975, but died in 1989 at only 60 years of age. Her early death was caused by liver failure, brought on by viral hepatitis. She had contracted the AIDS virus from her fourth husband. KEN CURTIS had roles in many other TV Westerns such as "The Yellow Rose" and "Conagher" but died of a heart attack in 1991 at 74 years of age. DENNIS WEAVER went on to star in "McCloud" and "Emerald Point N.A.S." and became a humanitarian activist and an environmentalist later in his life. He died of cancer in 2006 at age 81. Remember how Chester walked with a limp?

Well, Dennis said that doing things with a stiff leg was very hard and he took yoga classes to be able to move that way. Tell us which sidekick was your favorite - Chester or Festus? Here's your chance to sound off! Take a minute and think back about Dennis Weaver as Chester, and Ken Curtis as Festus. Chester was kinda cute and lovable; Festus was a bit scruffy and cantakerous. Both good in their roles, but which one was your favorite? Let everyone know! Favorite Sidekick Tell Us Your Favorite Gunsmoke Sidekick [ ? ] Close Help Entering your story is easy to do. Just type!... Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Author Information (optional) To receive credit as the author, enter your information below. Your Name (You can preview and edit on the next page) What Other Visitors Have Said Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

MY NAME IS PHIL AMBROS. I PLAYED DRUMS FOR FRANK SINATRA. ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS WAS BUDDY RICH. WHEN I AM NOT PLAYING DRUMS FOR THE BEST IN SHOW BIZ, … Chester Not rated yet Chester was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Had to be Festus! both Not rated yet I loved them both! Their love for Matt, Kitty, and Doc was always there. They were like a family. I grew up watching them. … Festus Not rated yet Dumb like a fox! The kind of guy you would walk through any door with, and know you would come out okay. Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Ken Curtis was my favorite. He was one who some times acted dumb but in the end was smart. Chester Goode Not rated yet Chester Goode, (Dennis Weaver) brought laughter to the show! He was always showing off his creative side, for instance, whittling, carving, building … Festus Not rated yet Click here to write your own.

Festus Not rated yet I thought Chester was basically stupid - similar to Tonto on The Lone Ranger. Festus on the other hand was sly and had a street smarts. Festus Not rated yet Festus was brave, loyal, and very funny. Chester never seemed to be much help although he always had good intentions. Chester and Festus Not rated yet One of the best eposodes was when marshal Dillon and Chester bushwacked those white men who killed a family and scalped even the little girl. It was … festus Not rated yet I liked festus because he was genuine and sincere in his love of Marshall Dillon, Kitty and Doc Adams. He was truly a best friend no matter what. Of course … Chester Good Not rated yet Dennis Weaver who played Chester Good was the first side kick. My uncle James L Cox was in the Navy with Dennis Weaver, and as my uncle tells it, Dennis … Chester Not rated yet He was always right there to help Mr. Dillon & he had a kind heart. He & Doc were always picking on each other. I was surprised to see how handsome he … Chester Not rated yet Chester was my favourite gun smoke sidekick.

I used to love the way he would tease doc and they would start to argue, (hilarious). I liked Festus but … Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Festus. And by the way, did you know Festus was the name of a Governor in the Bible? They both were so good. But they were as different as night and day. Chester was so funny in different things he would say, or do. The way he mastered … Chester Not rated yet Chester, hands down. Got used to him first. Don't like change. Never watched it much after Chester left. Festus Not rated yet Festus Hagan Not rated yet He sure helped Matthew and liked to call Doc Quack - Quack , and other funny names too but they were excellent in their parts. Still see it almost every … Festus by far Not rated yet Chester was OK, but was more of a joke. Festus was a fanTASTIC joke, BUT, he also was a tremendous help to Matt Dillon.......excellent tracker and shot. … Festus Not rated yet Festus Hagen Not rated yet Festus of course!

He also acted in "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Ward Bond and Barry Fitzgerald. A superb and talented actor, and … Festus Not rated yet Festus could mix it up with anyone, any time, any place and always made catchy statements. Festus ! Not rated yet Dennis Weaver played Chester great and was an incredible addition to the show. Ken Curtis was just awesome and played the part of Festus Haggen to a tee. … Festus Not rated yet It is tough to chose between Festus or Chester because they both did a great job at the role they played. They will all be missed. I still watch the reruns … Festus Not rated yet No one could ever replace Festus. He was the greatest! Festus Not rated yet I loved to hear Chester call Mr. Dillon, and he was a great asset to the show, but Fetus was my favorite by far! Those crazy sayings that Festus would … Ken Curtis Not rated yet Ken Curtis was a wonderful actor, and a handsome hunk also! Festus Not rated yet Festus was uneducated, but had more common sense that made him able to argue with Doc and get his point across.

His colorful family stories were the best. … Festus Not rated yet Is there a doubt? Festus was the best, as far as this reruns only viewer is concerned. Ol' Festus Not rated yet I love OL' FESTUS. He was a darn good sidekick to Marshall Dillon. He was always scruffy, dirty, and hysterical which is why I love and chose him over … Click here to write your own. Festus Not rated yet I thought Festus was the better sidekick. It was easy to write him off as a bumbling fool, but when the chips were down he proved to be as dangerous as … Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite. Who would have thought a man who could sing like he could, & could act like a FESTUS! Roger Morton Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite. Festus Not rated yet Did you know Festus (Ken Curtis) had a beautiful singing voice and was with the "Sons of the Pioneers"? Festus, of course! Not rated yet Festus, of course! It drives me nuts when Chester starts to yell, "Misterrr Dillion, Mister Dillon"....

lol Festus Not rated yet I liked the way Festus would get under Doc's skin. Festus looked out for Matt and everyone else, especially his mule. Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Chester Not rated yet Chester by a Texas Mile! Love them all, but the "Chester character" was acted out to a perfection. Down to a science of an acting presentation. No less. … Festus Not rated yet Festus was the type of actor that made you feel that you could laugh with him and his "little hangy down part"..... or when he got the level and had to … Still remember everyone Not rated yet I love them all & wish l'd had a chance to meet them. Now l remember them thru Gunsmoke reruns. l used to watch the show when l was a little one. Back … Chester Not rated yet He was the best and the most memorable. Festus was not so likable in my opinion. Chester Not rated yet I am too young to remember Gunsmoke when it was on Prime Time TV,, but thanks to Encore Western, TV Land and ME TV I have grown to love this timeless classic.

… Festus Not rated yet I always felt Chester was there more for the children. He was also a jailor, not a deputy. He didn't carry a six-shooter. That way the prisoners couldn't … All of them Not rated yet Don't have a favorite, love them both as well as Matt and Kitty, Quint and Thad. This western is my favorite. Wish I'd known these actors, then l could've … Ken Curtis Not rated yet Ken Curtis was comical in his various roles adding a needed flavor to the show. Remember his social interaction with Milburn Stone who played Doc? This … Chester Not rated yet the Missouri hillbilly Not rated yet Ken Curtis was an AMAZING actor and he was lucky enough to be cast as an equally amazing character. I'm from the Missouri Ozarks, and I know people who … All of them Not rated yet I watched from the first episode, only missed it when I was in Vietnam. Festus Not rated yet I'm not speaking of Dennis Weaver as an actor when I make this comment.. I'm speaking of his character Chester. I didn't care for his character. In my … Festus!

Not rated yet Festus had a quirky lovable way about him that drew me in from the first moment I saw and heard him. He didn't have that "like everyone else" quality … KEN CURTIS Not rated yet NO ONE BETTER THAN FESTUS! Festus Not rated yet Festus was just a great character. No one could have played him better than Ken Curtis . It made me laugh just to hear him speak!!!!!! Festus Not rated yet I liked Chester, but I loved Festus! He was so funny and scruffy and I adored the way he spoke. I had seen Ken Curtis in other films but Festus was his … Festus Not rated yet What a memorable character. Never watched Gunsmoke until re-runs in 2013.. Now can't get enough of them, especially Festus....he was the "hightlight" … Chester Not rated yet Chester, because he was a sweet and gentle character, but could be serious and "dangerous" when the situation called for him to be. Click here to write your own. Festus Not rated yet I enjoyed Festus much more then Chester. Just the way he butchered the English language gave me many belly laughs.

Great clean show. Festus Not rated yet Festus, because he was so down to earth. He could play a mean part,loving caring part and a funny part. He was the kind of person you could never dislike. … Chester or Festus? Not rated yet Oh come on, trying to pick Festus over Chester is impossible .. . which do you like better, your left or your right hand? Fantastic characters, watching … Festus Not rated yet Ken Curtis-FESTUS Not rated yet Without a doubt...... FESTUS HAGGIN..... my favorite! Ken Curtis Not rated yet Him and Doc had amazing conversations. He was gruff, but cared about people. Festus Not rated yet Why you old skudder, there ain't no way, nobody else has got a hoot of chance. Dagnabit, don't cha see I'm the clear winner. I LOVED CHESTER, BUT HE WAS SO WHINY WHERE FESTUS WAS SO FUNNY. THE EPISODE WHERE HE AND CLINT ASPER WENT TO WITCHITA TO GET NEW BELLOWS WAS GREAT. FESTUS … Festus Not rated yet Festus was quite a character and did have a heart of gold.

I thought the actor that portrayed him did a great job. Did he ever get an award for his portrayal … Chester Not rated yet Miss Kitty Not rated yet Miss Kitty! I was in love with her! Between 1955 and 1975 I was 11 years old and 31 years old respectively. She was always my favorite and still is! … FESTUS HAGAN Not rated yet Chester may have been better looking but I still liked Festus best. Festus had a heart of gold, always looking out for the less fortunate. I just watched … Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Chester Not rated yet He brought so much to the show. It was not the same after he left. It was one of the best westerns on TV. Now my husband and I are watching all the … Dennis Weaver as Chester was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Festus and Chester Not rated yet I can't choose between them. Both characters were so different and brought equal enjoyment. I did like how Festus was handy with a gun, but Chester was … Chester Not rated yet CHESTER WAS GREAT AT HIS ROLE & A VERY GOOD ACTOR.

HE WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE! Festus Not rated yet Among all the things that Festus said, one of the best things he ever said, when it came to reading, was something to the effect of "If it ain"t right … Chester Goode Not rated yet I always enjoyed Chester whenever he rose above his handicap. I really like to identify some of the stars that played bit parts on the show. Ken Curtis … Chester Not rated yet Chester was my favorite. When I saw reruns as a child I only saw the shows with Festus (Ken Curtis), & I never liked the show because of him. Later, I … Festus Not rated yet Festus Hagen was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Both characters and the actors who played them were excellent. I always enjoy Ken Curtis in any role, and feel the same way about Dennis Weaver. Both … Chester Not rated yet Chester was the original character that started from the radio version but Festus was a good replacement. Too bad the radio cast couldn't make the TV show … Click here to write your own.

Festus Not rated yet I loved the way Festus and Doc would bicker back and forth, the things that Festus would say to the "old skudder" was priceless. Loved that show.. Milburn Stone Not rated yet Although I enjoyed Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, my favorite character was James Arness. I saw him for the first time as the "Thing" in 1950 while stationed … Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite because he was a true deputy with grit. Chester had his moments, but his constant whining and crying got on my nerves--he become … Festus Hagan Not rated yet Chester's stiff leg was over played....his drawl was all that was needed. Ken Curtis got the Festus character from a real person his father (a sheriff) … Chester Not rated yet Chester (Dennis Weaver) was my mother's cousin in Montrose Colorado (Pauline Weaver). Both were born in the same hospital in Joplin Mo. Dennis and Jerri … Chester Not rated yet Chester (Dennis Weaver) was my mother's cousin in Montrose Colorado (Pauline Weaver). Both were born in the same hospital in Joplin Mo.

Dennis and Jerri … Festus Not rated yet I must say, I liked both, but if I had to choose it would Festus. Thanks! Chester Not rated yet Matt Dillon Not rated yet I love all the characters of Gunsmoke, but Marshall Dillon was by far my favorite. I love Kitty, Doc, Chester, and Festus too, but Matt obviously is the … Chester Not rated yet Chester will always be my favorite. Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite...cause he was the best feller that you never did hear of this side of the river. He never did anything that would hurt anyone … Ken Curtis Not rated yet There couldn't be any other. It would be like Sheriff Andy Taylor without Barney Fife! Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! I thought that Chester was so needy of Marshall Dillon and,frankly, a sissy because he was always whining to Matt. FESTUS and KITTY Not rated yet Everybody knew Ms Kitty was Matt's lady. She said so, though they never kissed. But she did kiss him once on the cheek.

On one show Matt said he couldnt … Chester Not rated yet Chester was my favorite because not only was he handsome and funny, but he was also not afraid to stand up to danger. He backed up Marshal Dillon when … Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet Festus was always my favorite, from when he first met Mr. Dillon on his (Festus') hog farm until he eventually left the show. After Festus left both Newly … Quint - Burt Reynolds Not rated yet Might not have been a sidekick, but my favorite was always Quint, the blacksmith played by Burt Reynolds. Chester Not rated yet Chester was my favorite sidekick, but I liked the Doc character too.....he was too cool... and James Arness really made the series work..I loved that show... … Chester Not rated yet Chester was my favorite because he was loyal and likeable. Superbly acted, too. Festus Not rated yet Festus was definitely my favorite! Festus Not rated yet My favorite sidekick was Festus. Chester Not rated yet My husband and I love Chester!

His expressions in his acting seemed so genuine. I loved the way he acted when he met a new girl in town. He was so funny. … Festus Not rated yet Click here to write your own. Festus Not rated yet Ken Curtis was my favorite. I met him at a rodeo in New Mexico. Good actor and in person was unbelievably cool! I will never forget him! Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite. He had a good heart, he stuck his neck out for Matt, and was loved by Doc, Kitty and everyone he interacted with. He was also … I think all of them were great, and it took all of them to make the show great. But James was the one that made the show work and last so many years. … Festus Not rated yet Mine was and will always be Festus. He was the star of the show, The voice and that way he had of speaking. I still to this very day greatly admire Festus. … festus Not rated yet Festus! It is difficult to believe such a beautiful voice was contained within that crusty old hillbilly!

I loved his singing of the Searchers theme … Festus Not rated yet Festus was my favorite side kick. As gruff and back woods as he was he still was a very good lawman, and a strong image when the Marshal wasn't around. … Festus Not rated yet Festus & Doc Not rated yet Festus and Doc are my honorary sweethearts. Festus, Chester Not rated yet I enjoyed all the characters the same. Festus Not rated yet I just think he played the roll so well. Ken made Festus and it was big part of Gunsmoke. ALL Not rated yet JAMES I AWAYS WILL LOVE YOU FOR THE YEARS OF FUN WITH GUNSMOKE. YOU WERE LIKE MY BROTHER AND GAVE ME A PLACE TO STAY WITH YOU AND THE REST OF THE GANG … KEN CURTIS Not rated yet HE WAS A VERY FUNNY PERSON festus Not rated yet I saw Festus at the KY state fair in Louisville, KY when i was about 12 yrs old,1970. He came out riding a mule, played a banjo, sang & danced.

He looked … Festus Not rated yet Festus was kinda comical and he was also a great addition to the show. He was just a great actor. Festus Not rated yet Festus was the greatest. I loved his mule. He was funny and was very devoted. They don't make shows like that any more. Too bad. We will miss them all. … festus Not rated yet Ken Curtis Not rated yet There wasn't anybody funnier than Festus when he was talking with Doc and he'd get Doc so mad he couldn't see straight. Or whenever Festus got together … Festus Not rated yet Festus had so many memorable moments and I think that the show was more interesting and funny after he joined the cast. His role was to me one of the most … Festus Not rated yet I thought Doc brought an awful lot to the show with his clever wit, especially when involved in a dialogue with Festus. Burt Reynolds Not rated yet I enjoyed Burt Reynolds character on the show. He was the blacksmith. Festus Haggen Not rated yet I loved Festus and loved the interaction with Doc Adams.

Festus had a huge heart and looked after his "family" of Matt, Kitty and of course Doc. I think … festus Not rated yet Festus was my favortie. Just the way he looked at everything. He could not read but he was not dumb; he learned from life and I love the way him and … Festus Not rated yet I always enjoyed Chester and his humor, however, I am watching the series again on the Western Channel and see that Festus character is a lot deeper and … Dennis Weaver, 81, Sidekick on 'Gunsmoke,' Dies - The New York Times The New York Times Arts |Dennis Weaver, 81, Sidekick on 'Gunsmoke,' Dies Search Dennis Weaver, whose portrayal of Deputy Chester Goode in the classic television western "Gunsmoke" made him the favorite sidekick of the early television era, died on Friday at his home in Ridgway, Colo. He was 81. The cause was complications of cancer, said Julian Myers, his publicist. The lanky Mr.

Weaver became famous for his limping deputy with a drawl, the buddy of Marshal Matt Dillon, a portrayal for which he won an Emmy in 1959. But he starred in nine television series. From 1955 to 1964, he was on "Gunsmoke," the longest-running prime-time drama series on television. He also starred in "Gentle Ben," from 1967 to 1969, playing Tom Wedloe, an Everglades ranger who adopts a black bear as a pet. He went from nerd to sex symbol in "McCloud," playing Sam McCloud, a New Mexico deputy marshal on loan to the New York City police, who sometimes rode his horse through the city streets. "McCloud," which was broadcast from 1970 to 1977, earned him two Emmy nominations. Mr. Weaver also had leading roles in 40 motion pictures, including Orson Welles's 1958 film "Touch of Evil," and the 1971 classic "Duel," directed by a young Steven Spielberg, made for television but released theatrically in Europe.

In it he played the prey of a murderous truck, with an unseen driver. After growing up on a Missouri farm, Mr. Weaver served as a Naval Air Corps pilot, and he graduated with a degree in fine arts in theater from the University of Oklahoma. In 1948, he was a decathlon finalist in the United States Olympic trials. Advertisement Continue reading the main story He was in his 20's when he made his Broadway debut in "Come Back, Little Sheba," which led to his signing a contract with Universal Studios and going to Hollywood. He did not hit it big in Hollywood, and during his struggle to make a living as an actor his jobs included selling pantyhose and delivering flowers. After playing a series of character actors, often in westerns, he landed the role of Chester Goode in "Gunsmoke." Mr. Weaver's long career ranged beyond acting. He released several country music albums and had a one-man show in which he played 19 different Shakespearean characters. At one time he had a comedy/variety stage show with his wife, Gerry, and son Rusty.

He directed several episodes of various television shows, wrote poetry, and in 2001 his autobiography, "All the World's a Stage," was published. In 1982, with his wife and some friends, he founded an organization called Love Is Feeding Everyone, which fed more than 100,000 people in Los Angeles each week. In 1993, he and his wife founded a nonprofit group called the Institute of Ecolonomics -- a word Mr. Weaver coined from combining ecology and economics -- to find solutions to environmental problems. In 2003 the institute created a "Drive to Survive" campaign in which Mr. Weaver led a fleet of alterative-fuel vehicles on a cross-country tour to Washington to raise awareness about reducing the country's dependence on oil. Since 1990, Mr. Weaver and his wife had lived in an earthship: an almost 10,000-square-foot, solar-powered home in Ridgway constructed from about 3,000 recycled tires and 300,000 tin and aluminum cans. From 1973 to 1975, Mr.

Weaver was president of the Screen Actors Guild. In 1986 he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For the last nine years he had been the host of Starz Entertainment's "Westerns" channel. His last role was as Henry Ritter, a grandfather in "Wildfire," a dramatic series on the ABC Family Channel. Besides his wife, Gerry, and son Rusty, Mr. Weaver is survived by his sons Rick and Rob and three grandchildren. GunsmokeNet.com GunsmokeNet.com On the net since 1997 Chester Goode What is Chester's last name? Goode ... According to Parley Baer who played Chester Proudfoot on the radio, Chester's last name was changed for television in order to avoid a plagerism lawsuit. Chester was Dillon's deputy. False ... he was never deputized. The attributing of a deputy status to Chester is one of the most common mistakes made in the chronicling of television history. It is made in a number of summaries of television program histories, including a special issue of {\it People Magazine dedicated to the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of television. Which of Chester's legs was stiff? The right one.

The reason for his stiff leg was never explained. The first director of Gunsmoke, Warren, had Chester have a stiff leg to partially explain why he would work at such a menial job such as marshal's assistant. Did Chester ever go to church on Sundays? Yes True ... his name was Magnus. Chester was an orphan. True ... raised by a man named Ben Cherry. Does Chester know Morse code? No Where did Chester sleep when he was in Dodge City? In a cot in the Marshal's Office. So did Dillon. Did Chester carry a hand gun? Not generally. Chester was known for shooting himself in the foot. False Chester had a hard time sleeping after the sun came up because his feet began to do what? Sweat The following song was sung by Chester in part or in whole on a number of Gunsmoke episodes. What is the missing word that goes in the blank: Run _____ the dog's gonna get you. Run _____ run - you gotta get away. Run _____ run, the dog's gonna get you. Run _____ run - you gotta get away. The _____ ran. The _____ tore its tail in two. Answer: Rabbit Here's another ditty that Chester sang.

What are the two missing rhyming words: You can look all over Kansas. In every Kansas ________ You'll not find another pair Like her eyes of ________. (T/F) Dennis Weaver won an Emmy in 1958 for his role as Chester True! What is the missing word in the following Chester quote. ``I'll ______ better for it when I do ______, though, knowing I didn't miss nothin' when I wasn't sleepin', you know." Sleep One of Chester's chores was to wash the pillow cases used in the jail. False...they didn't use pillow cases. In response to the grumps, to what Gunsmoke regular did Chester mutter the phrase ``What's the matter? Somebody pull you through a knothole?" Doc When Dennis Weaver left Gunsmoke, he was replaced by Festus. Did Chester and Festus ever appear in the same episode of Gunsmoke? Yes...and both got star billing in the credits. Which two of the following musical instruments did Chester play on Gunsmoke: (a) banjo. (b) guitar. (c) harmonica. (d) trombone. (e) bugle. (f) tissue-paper-on-a-comb. Answers: b ...

guitar and f, the comb. One of Chester's hobbies was knitting. False. What did Chester wear over his shirt that neither Matt, Newly or Festus wore and why did he wear them? Suspenders to keep his pants up. One of Chester's favorite toys was a three foot long piece of rope with a knot in the end. What trick did he do with it? He would hold the unknotted end in one hand and let the knot dangle. Then, with a quick upward jerk of his hand, the knotted end would jump up. Chester would guide its fall so that the rope tied itself into a loop knot. Did Dennis Weaver use a brace to keep his leg stiff? No the lousy coffee that Chester made. all of the above. Answer: ... the lousy coffee. Chester prided himself in his brewing ability. ``Most people just don't know how to make good coffee. In the first place, they boil the water before they put the coffee in. Any fool knows you gotta put the coffee in the cold water and bring them both to a boil together. That way you get all of the flavor. Worst thing they do, they throw away the old grounds after using them once.

What they don't know is that they are throwing away the best part. You got to keep them old grounds and you add alittle fresh coffee every morning and let her boil. Shoot, you don't make a cup, you bui;ld a pot. You don't really get a good pot until you've been usin' it about a week. Then it's coffee!" Chester's brother owned a livery store in Waco, Texas. False ... Chester's brother hated cities. What was Chester's middle initial? Chester B. Goode... not unlike the Chuck Berry hit, Johnny B. Good. Chester appeared on Gunsmoke before Dillon did. True ... on the first Gunsmoke episode aired in 1955, Chester appears on the screen before Dillon does. The other main characters appear in the following order: Matt, Kitty, Doc and Howie, the clerk at the Dodge House. The first dramatic actor to appear on Gunsmoke was Paul Richards.

Dennis Weaver Dennis Weaver Cause of death: Cancer - unspecified Remains: Cremated, ashes in his family's possession Gender: Male Executive summary: Sam McCloud in McCloud Military service: US Navy Dennis Weaver grew up on a Missouri farm, and was an outstanding athlete on his college track and field team. He competed in the decathlon and came close to making the US Olympic team in 1948. A struggling actor for many years, he eventually became a familiar character actor in films, mostly low-budget westerns, and played Marshal Dillon's friend and deputy Chester Goode for the first nine years of TV's Gunsmoke. Weaver gave his Gunsmoke character a limp and a twangy accent, and said later that he added these endearing embellishments to prevent his performance from being overshadowed by the towering James Arness , who played Dillon. Being a TV sidekick was not a lucrative job in the 1950s, so between seasons Weaver augmented his income by touring in a singing trio with his castmates Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake .

After leaving Gunsmoke, Weaver starred as the friendly veterinarian Kentucky Jones, as the paternal Everglades ranger with a bear on his hands in Gentle Ben, and as the New Mexico deputy marshal on loan to the New York Police in McCloud. In films, Weaver played the nervous manager of the Mirador Motel in Orson Welles ' classic Touch of Evil. He also played a police captain in Jack Webb 's original theatrical film of Dragnet, then played five different characters in five episodes of the subsequent series. During a 1971 break from McCloud, Weaver was offered the lead in a television movie, playing a lonely traveling salesman chased and taunted on the highway by a crazed trucker. As the star, he was given veto power over the network's selection of a rookie director, but he agreed that the energetic young Steven Spielberg deserved a chance. The film, Duel, was released theatrically overseas, launched Spielberg's career, and is still considered one of the best films ever made for commercial television.

Solidly liberal, he and Valerie Harper were co-founders of LIFE (Love is Feeding Everyone), a charity which now helps fund more than 100,000 meals weekly to the homeless and hungry in Los Angeles. A devoted environmentalist, Weaver spoke out against America's addiction to fossil fuels, and lived in a solar-powered home constructed from about 3,000 recycled auto tires and 300,000 tin and aluminum cans. He advocated "creating prosperity without pollution", and recycled almost everything he used. He founded The Institute of Ecolonomics (a word Weaver coined, combining "ecology" and "economics"). Weaver died in his home of complications from cancer in 2006, at the age of 81. Father: Walter Weaver (d. Oct-1974) Mother: Lenna Prather (d. 3-Mar-1992) Wife: Gerry Stowell (m. 20-Oct-1945) Son: Rick Weaver (TV producer, b. 1949) Son: Robby Weaver (actor, b.

8-Apr-1953) Son: Rusty Weaver (musician, The Rockodiles, b. 1959) University: Joplin Junior College, Joplin, MO (now Missouri Southern State University) Gunsmoke | TVLAND.com Gunsmoke Schedule Gunsmoke Premiering on CBS in September 1955 and completing its network run September 1975, Gunsmoke is the longest-running dramatic series in the history of TV. Two of its stars, James Arness and Milburn Stone, remained all 20 seasons, with Amanda Blake a close second, departing after 19 years. The series started out as a half-hour show, and expanded to an hour in its seventh season. Prior to Gunsmoke (and The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, which premiered the same week), Western shows generally focused on fantasy characters such as the Lone Ranger and Hopalong Cassidy, holdovers from movie and radio serials. Gunsmoke was one of the earliest "adult Westerns," centering around the exploits of Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) in the frontier town of Dodge City, Kan. in 1873.

His kindly companion was Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), the town physician who spent many hours chugging beers at the Long Branch Saloon, owned and operated by the shapely Kitty Russell. Over the years there were several changes in the supporting cast, most notably the replacement of Matt's loyal deputy, Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), with hillbilly deputy Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis). Gunsmoke started a longtime trend for TV westerns. At one point there were 30 of them on the air at the same time. But Gunsmoke outlasted the others and at the time of its cancelation in 1975, it was the only show of its kind still on the air.

Question: Which actor played the crippled deputy in Gunsmoke
Answer: Dennis Weaver